Noise at Work
Loud noise can damage hearing, especially if the person is exposed to loud noise on a regular basis and The Noise Regulations 2005 were created to address this workplace hazard.
The Regulations specify noise levels that must be complied with by law and place duties on employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work by:
- Assessing the risks to employees from noise at work.
- Taking action to reduce the noise exposure that produces the risks.
- Providing employees with hearing protection if the noise cannot be reduced by other means.
- Ensuring the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded.
- Providing employees with information, instruction and training.
- Carrying out health surveillance where noise poses a risk to health.
The Health and Safety Executive provides excellent guidance on Noise at Work for both employers and employees, including Noise Calculators which help to assess daily and weekly noise exposure. Further information can be found on the HSE Website at: